Amarillo, TX – Fire danger is rising quickly across the Texas Panhandle today, with dry air and increasing winds creating conditions that could allow fires to spread rapidly by midday.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, temperatures will climb into the low to mid-80s Friday and push into the upper 80s to near 90 degrees Saturday. Winds will strengthen out of the west at 10 to 20 mph, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph, especially across the southwestern Texas Panhandle, including Hereford, Vega, and Canyon.
These conditions, combined with very low humidity and dry fuels, are expected to produce elevated fire weather today and escalate to near-critical or critical levels Saturday. Areas along and south of I-40, including Amarillo, Borger, and Pampa, face an increased risk of fast-moving grass fires.
Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Even small sparks from equipment, vehicles, or cigarettes could ignite fires that spread quickly across open land. Residents should secure trailer chains, avoid parking on dry grass, and keep water sources nearby.
The fire threat will persist through Saturday evening before conditions begin to ease slightly. Additional advisories or Red Flag Warnings may be issued as winds and dryness continue to fluctuate.
